Frustration

Frustration

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Posts: 66

Mar 30 11 12:25 AM

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I'm not happy with the progress, or lack thereof, of my VA claim. A little background.

The DAV sent in my claim in late Nov 10, with follow data in early Dec 10. My retirement date is 1 May 11. Ideally I should have been scheduled for an exam, or so I've been told, sometime in March. So far...no joy.

Here's where the frustration comes in. I'm retiring from Hawaii and moving back to Phoenix in 12 days. I highly doubt I will be scheduled for an exam in the next 8 business days (2 of which I'm unavailable for). I've been to the VA 3 times this month to ask what's up and for the most part have got nothing out of them.

My question is this. What's next? I assume I'll need to go to VA in Phoenix and start with them? Or do I go to the DAV? Who schedules my exam. Clearly it won't be the folks in Hawaii.

When I got out of the MC in 2007, I was scheduled for an exam as part of my "Checking Out" process, Exam scheduling is handled by the VA. I would go to, or call the VA office on base and explain your situation to them. They should have your answer. I would also contact your DAV Rep and see what he/she has to say.

If it was me, I would wait till I get to Phoenix, get settled, then get yourself a VSO in your area and tell them your problem. They'll take care of it for you. Don't believe that anything is going to happen fast with the VA. Right now the VA is overwhelmed with AO claims that have been given priority by the courts. This whole process is a waiting game. Get used to it. Nothing you do is going to speed it up. Calling your congressman will even slow it down. Relax and do it by the numbers like the rest of us.

Mudduck wrote:I'm not happy with the progress, or lack thereof, of my VA claim. A little background.

The DAV sent in my claim in late Nov 10, with follow data in early Dec 10. My retirement date is 1 May 11. Ideally I should have been scheduled for an exam, or so I've been told, sometime in March. So far...no joy.

Here's where the frustration comes in. I'm retiring from Hawaii and moving back to Phoenix in 12 days. I highly doubt I will be scheduled for an exam in the next 8 business days (2 of which I'm unavailable for). I've been to the VA 3 times this month to ask what's up and for the most part have got nothing out of them.

My question is this. What's next? I assume I'll need to go to VA in Phoenix and start with them? Or do I go to the DAV? Who schedules my exam. Clearly it won't be the folks in Hawaii.

Not a satisfied customer...

The VBA handles thousands of claims at their Regional Offices. This appears to be a BDD claim which generally runs about six months prior to separation. You have shortened the process. Is your SO and the RO aware you are relocating in 12 days? Prior to moving contact your SO or the RO and ask them the questions you have asked here. Most likely, you will need to go to Phoenix and start your claim. Advise them of what has taken place to avoid further complications.

In regards to who schedules what there are cases where jurisdiction is maintained at an RO other than the Vet's local RO.

Be SURE double SURE that both the VAMC and the VARO have your new address in Phoenix. Do it in person if possible and get a receipt if possible. You could take a letter to each and have a copy date stamped. Many people have gotten "lost" after a move. Don't be one of them.

All EXCELLENT advice. I will add, get a good hardcopy of your medical records & handcarry them them. Make copies for your new VA, if it becomes necessary. "NOT HAPPY" describes a lot of Vets who've been waiting a long time., especially the Guys who suffer from AO and the like. "I do umderstand your frustration," We ALL do, but you've got to get some perspective or you'll blow a gasket. Not trying to offend you. Chief B was able to say it said it more diplomatically. Anyhow, good luck & thanks for your service.- Gdee

Mudduck wrote:I'm not happy with the progress, or lack thereof, of my VA claim. A little background.

The DAV sent in my claim in late Nov 10, with follow data in early Dec 10. My retirement date is 1 May 11. Ideally I should have been scheduled for an exam, or so I've been told, sometime in March. So far...no joy.

Here's where the frustration comes in. I'm retiring from Hawaii and moving back to Phoenix in 12 days. I highly doubt I will be scheduled for an exam in the next 8 business days (2 of which I'm unavailable for). I've been to the VA 3 times this month to ask what's up and for the most part have got nothing out of them.

My question is this. What's next? I assume I'll need to go to VA in Phoenix and start with them? Or do I go to the DAV? Who schedules my exam. Clearly it won't be the folks in Hawaii.

Not a satisfied customer...

First when you have "been to the VA" are you referring to the the VAMC (Medical) or the Regional Office (VBA) part. Outside of C&P Exams, the medical centers have nothing to do with compensation benefits and cannot tell you what is going on with your claim. Only the Regional Office can tell you that. Also keep in mind that currently all of the VA Regional Offices are seriously backed up thanks to the Agent Orange Nehmer Claims being worked. As far as your move is concerned, I would follow the advice that Cav1stSGT gave and speak with both your Service officer at the DAV and the Regional Office and make them aware that you are relocating.

As has also been mentioned...Records, I would also add that you make copies of both your Service Record Book and your Service Medical Records and keep them.

Disclaimer: on the advice of Counsel, all my writings are fictions. While some events may be true, others will be unverifiable.

Thx to all. I've been working with the DAV since jump street. I also have multiple copies of my medical records. I've also been to the local VA, in person, and sat at the desk while they changed my address in the magic computer...and I assume (big mistake??) it took.

In any event, it is clear my exam will not happen before I leave Hawaii so it will now happen in Phx...not a big deal. Would have been good to have had it happen here.

Hopefullyyou have a good VSO. Irregardless the bottom line it is your case. As the saying goes no one cares more about your case than you. Highly recommend you become "fluent" on Title 38 regarding your specific disabilities. That is the VA rules on disability claims. Sounds daunting, but it is really isn't hard. If I can do it, you can.

As for the VA; well they have a "bunch of cases" They were behind the 8 ball before Iraq and Afghanistan and it went down hill since then. Hopefully you won't have to go to appeals. Now we are talking years. Of course the good news is that when you do win the back pay goes to the date of the claim or in your case the date of separation.

Vet10100% IU - Permanent and Total

"You win some, lose some, some get rained out, but you
have to dress for them all."

Hopefullyyou have a good VSO. Irregardless the bottom line it is your case. As the saying goes no one cares more about your case than you. Highly recommend you become "fluent" on Title 38 regarding your specific disabilities. That is the VA rules on disability claims. Sounds daunting, but it is really isn't hard. If I can do it, you can.